Mr.Chamroen said “This meeting is to get an update on the previous meeting in July regarding building the confidence of tourists and to track the progress of the work being carried out with regards to Phuket’s tour operators and also the issue of illegal guides, something which has been raised numerous times. The province has received a lot of complaints regarding the selling of fake goods and also about the prices being paid in some jewelry and souvenir shops, for goods that are sub standard. These issues need to be seriously addressed in order for Phuket to have a good image.”

Police captain Siramate said “The police, TAT and regulatory agencies have collaborated on the issue of illegal guides, which are now appearing in many forms. In the past police have been able to easily spot and arrest illegal foreign guides. However, now some Thai and even Phuket people are acting as a front for these illegal foreign guides. However, officers will be investigate rigorously and strictly implement the law. However, to help eliminate this problem entirely we do need help and information from inside people such as Thai guides who see these guides operating.”